A fire that broke out at the home of a children’s playgroup is being treated as suspicious, police said today.

Firefighters were called to the Rose Community Centre in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a passerby noticed smoke billowing out of a window at the centre, in Hawthorn Road, Brentford. The doors appeared to have been forced open.

Although no one was hurt, the blaze caused smoke damage to the building and caused plastic fittings and extractor fans to melt.

The centre, which is used by Rose Hall Playgroup, is currently closed while repair work to the roof is carried out. It was due to reopen next week but will now have to remain closed for the moment. Groups using the hall will have to be rehoused elsewhere.

Inspector Manpreet Bains of Hounslow police said: “We are investigating the fire after initial investigations by the London Fire Brigade suggested it had been started deliberately.

“If there are any witnesses we urge them to call Hounslow CID on 020 8247 5940 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”